A Fifty Year Journey Like No Other

On Sunday, 7/30/1967, Lyndon Johnson served as President and the national debt was 330 billion. Six months into his first term, Ronald Reagan served as governor of California. Overseas, Vietnam drained our country’s youth and unity, while domestically, race riots tore at the fabric of our society.

During those turbulent 1960’s, an almost unnoticed event took place on the Chesapeake Bay. But events on that summer day would have incalculable implications around the globe.

A life-changing moment

A seventeen-year-old girl dove from a dock into too shallow water…and into the hands of God. As Joni Eareckson plunged into that water, her life was forever altered …and to this day, she lives with quadriplegia.

Fifty years, ten US Presidents, five Popes, countless world events, and $19 trillion in US Debt later …Joni’s story continues to reverberate throughout the world. Dozens of books, a major motion picture, music, a world-wide wheel chair ministry, and international retreats for families with special needs, are all hallmarks of the extraordinary ministry God works through Joni’s ministry, Joni and Friends.

Ken and Joni profoundly understand the challenges of individuals, couples, and families with special needs. The entire ministry of Joni and Friends exists to minister the hope of Christ into the disability community. That is why we are so honored to participate with Joni and celebrate God’s work through her five decades of trusting Him with her extreme challenges.

Earlier this month, Joni and Gracie shared a moment together on stage. Joni wept as Gracie sang, and then the two of them raised their voices together.

Joni stated to the audience that night, “I intend to squeeze every ounce of ministry from my paralyzed body, and point others to Christ.”

Painful, heartbreaking, and crushing events are allowed into our lives by a sovereign and loving God. We don’t always understand them. We certainly don’t like them. But, if we choose to slip our scared hands into HIS scarred hands, we find that extraordinary things happen when we trust Him.

His Power Is Made Perfect In Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)

As Joni often states, “He allows what He hates to achieve what He loves.”

He did it at the cross.

He did it at a dock in the Chesapeake Bay.

In addition, He did it for another 17-year-old girl named Gracie who slammed into a concrete abutment on a highway in Tennessee.

And He does it every day in each of our lives.

Furthermore, He is able and willing to reach into all our desperation and sorrow …and weave purpose, meaning, beauty, and joy.

Don’t just take my word for it. Their picture tells the story much better.

Fifty years ago this month (July 30, 2017), Joni experienced a diving accident that left her with quadriplegia. Her story, courage, insights, books, and music, have touched millions …and I am one of those.

Joni Eareckson-Tada

Gracie, with undaunted courage, lives everyday where only our deepest fears takes us—and that is, a world of unrelenting pain. To spend time with her, though, is to feel a lot of that courage infuse into your own heart. You can't help but sense the divine strength which is her daily comfort and consolation.

Gracie, with undaunted courage, lives everyday where only our deepest fears takes us—and that is, a world of unrelenting pain. To spend time with her, though, is to feel a lot of that courage infuse into your own heart. You can't help but sense the divine strength which is her daily comfort and consolation.

"As caregivers, we often feel isolated, but for me, reading and listening to Peter feels like a one-on-one encounter. It could be as intensely personal to you, too!"

http://standingwithhope.com/testimonials/graham-kerr/

Jeff Foxworthy

In a world hung up on trying to make sense out of hard times, Peter drives the point home that "we don't have to understand—God understands, and that's enough." This is THE book for caregivers, written by one with scars and immense credibility.

In a world hung up on trying to make sense out of hard times, Peter drives the point home that "we don't have to understand—God understands, and that's enough." This is THE book for caregivers, written by one with scars and immense credibility.

http://standingwithhope.com/testimonials/jeff-foxworthy/

Amy Grant

With tenacity, tenderness and humor Peter Rosenberger brings hope to those who find themselves in the overwhelming and sometimes lonely role of caregiver.

With tenacity, tenderness and humor Peter Rosenberger brings hope to those who find themselves in the overwhelming and sometimes lonely role of caregiver.

http://standingwithhope.com/testimonials/amy/

Kathie Lee Gifford

I have met many brave, inspirational people through the years, but Gracie Rosenberger has to be the most extraordinarily courageous individual I have ever known. The way she approaches the challenges in her life is a testament to her faith and commitment to the most abundant life possible.

I have met many brave, inspirational people through the years, but Gracie Rosenberger has to be the most extraordinarily courageous individual I have ever known. The way she approaches the challenges in her life is a testament to her faith and commitment to the most abundant life possible.

http://standingwithhope.com/testimonials/kathie-lee-gifford/

Joe Bonsall

None of us ever plan to be in a position like Peter, but it happens. When I was helping to care for a stroke-ridden father for many years, I wish I had had this book to lean upon!

Peter Rosenberger is absolutely amazing. A true leader by example. Read what he has to say and you will understand why he is the most qualified person to teach you how to thrive as a caregiver

http://standingwithhope.com/testimonials/david-asarnow/

Kenneth L. Farmer, MD

As a former Commanding General of Walter Reed, I saw God use Gracie in the rehabilitation of many other amputees. After reading their book, it becomes clear how God is using Gracie and Peter—and how He can use us all—for so much more that we could have envisioned.

Kenneth L. Farmer, Jr. MD

Major General, US Army (Retired)

2015-05-19T13:40:37+00:00

Kenneth L. Farmer, Jr. MD

Major General, US Army (Retired)

As a former Commanding General of Walter Reed, I saw God use Gracie in the rehabilitation of many other amputees. After reading their book, it becomes clear how God is using Gracie and Peter—and how He can use us all—for so much more that we could have envisioned.